Big Broadband Plans in the 'Burg

More than 50 citizens attended the Alleghenies Broadband Inc.'s Broadband Outreach town hall in Williamsburg last Tuesday evening. This was one of four outreach meetings in the area: others were held in Altoona, Tyrone and East Freedom.

"This is probably our best turnout," Blair Planning Director said, who ran most of the meeting.

McFarland outlined two of the major issues in Williamsburg – gaps in cell phone service and lack of broadband.

"There is zero service," McFarland said. "We are very aware of these gaps."

Other attendants included Representative Jim Gregory, Blair County Commissioner Amy Webster, Commissioner-Elect Dave Kessling, and Michele Ivory of Senator Judy Ward's office.

McFarland presented slides of an outlined plan for bringing broadband to Williamsburg. Some of the limits of broadband include physical infrastructure, affordability and satisfaction and skills/knowledge. With physical infrastructure, McFarland talked about the speed of connection, the lags and gaps in connection and the non-broadband internet connections, such as DSL, dial-up or cellular carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Affordability and satisfaction proved to be another limit for this area; McFarland discussed needing broadband/internet services for most of our daily activities: employment, education (especially flex-days with school districts), communication, recreation, and commerce.

"Internet is critical to commerce," McFarland said discussing the lack of cell/internet service along the Lower Trail.

With skills and knowledge, McFarland discussed items such as file sharing, searching, browsing and items like tele-health visits that not many know of that can be used.

There is a potential for two plans to be rolled out for broadband grants. The state has more than $1 billion to use for broadband statewide, and according to McFarland, "it's which area needs it the most."

Of the six counties to be included in the grant package, McFarland discussed an interlinked circle of fiber to best fit the needs of the area. Following his presentation, McFarland said he, along with the others from Blair Planning and Alleghenies Broadband Inc., wanted to hear from the residents.

Harry Mullins, Williamsburg resident, said "I am just so thankful to give us an opportunity to have this meeting, I'm elated."

A lot of residents discussed Comcast services, which happen to be one of the only internet services in the area have recently had an increasing cost, and is not affordable for many. A representative from Crowsnest Broadband was on hand saying that if you are in sight of the old 911 tower in Williamsburg – you can get their broadband service.

Williamsburg Public Library Head Librarian Roane Lytle said the library has seen an increase in use of internet for public interests and items such as vehicle renewals and registrations.

Mayor Ted Hyle discussed frustration with the cell service in the area.

"There are dead spots all over the place. We have tried to fix this several times, but we haven't gotten anywhere yet."

Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise agreed. "Safety is a matter of concern here. [Lack of cell service] is our biggest issue."

United Methodist Church Pastor Matt Roberts said that there would be a mini cell phone tower installed in Williamsburg sometime in 2024, and he was unsure of what provider would pick up tower. Roberts praised Senator Judy Ward's office for being adamant about getting a tower in Williamsburg. Ivory credited residents and others who wrote letters in support of a cell tower.

"You all made it happen," Ivory said.

At the end of the meeting, McFarland asked the crowd what drew them to the meeting - cell, internet or both.

A resounding "both" echoed through the Williamsburg Senior Center.

"We are going to keep fighting for it," Williamsburg Fire Chief Travis Prough said.

Catharine Township Supervisor Ken Brenneman agreed, saying, "They're definitely on the right path."